BC Tip #14 - Keeping Business Central up to Date
- Ben Cole
- Feb 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
This week I had my good friend, Brad Prendergast, join me to talk about keeping Business Central up to date.
Whether you are installing ISV Apps, Developing your own PTEs, or just trying to stay current with your Business Central updates, we put our thinking caps on to help demystify the Business Central Admin Center.
If you only leave with 1 learning from this blog post, it is to proactively monitor the admin center and keep your environments and apps up to date.
Table of Contents
Why staying current matters
Microsoft releases two major Business Central wave updates each year (typically in April and October), plus smaller platform updates every month. Technology moves fast, and so do the language and platform features Business Central depends on. That means apps and extensions often need maintenance to remain compatible.
If apps aren’t kept compatible, several things can happen:
Upgrades can be blocked until compatibility issues are resolved.
Per‑tenant extensions (PTEs) or other blocking apps can be removed automatically so the update can proceed.
Performance problems can appear if capacity is strained or apps are out of sync with the platform.
A typical release schedule looks something like the below. For more information, check out Microsoft Learn - Release Schedules.
Major vs minor updates
The two wave releases bring new features and changes that can require app updates. Monthly minor updates fix bugs and apply smaller improvements. Both types can introduce compatibility requirements for apps developed by Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and for per‑tenant extensions (PTEs).
ISV apps versus PTE apps
ISV apps are typically covered by a support agreement and the vendor will often handle compatibility updates. Per‑tenant extensions (PTEs), however, usually need to be maintained by your internal team or your implementation partner. Treat PTEs as something you own and schedule regular reviews for them.
Use the Business Central Admin Center to plan and control updates
The Admin Center gives you visibility and control over environments, schedules, app updates, and notifications. If you have the necessary permissions, you can set when updates run and how AppSource apps are applied.
How to find it
Click the settings (cog) in the upper right.
Select Admin Center (if you have permissions).
Use the left-hand tabs to manage Environments, Apps, and Notifications.
Environment settings
The Environments tab displays your environments, current versions, and the next scheduled update. Click into an environment to change when its next update runs or to control AppSource app update timing.
Managing app updates and dependencies
The Apps tab lists all installed ISV and Microsoft apps. A status of action required will explain which dependencies must be updated first. That dependency chain is critical: updating one app without its required supporting apps can cause failures or block the overall upgrade.
Managing Update Notifications
Use the Notifications tab to add recipients who should receive update alerts. Notifications cover compatibility warnings, scheduled update notices, successful update confirmations, and other important messages. Adding the right distribution list or contacts prevents surprises and ensures timely action.
Check capacity regularly
Performance issues are often linked to capacity limits. A slow environment can be symptomatic of a maxed-out capacity tier or inefficient extensions. Regular capacity monitoring is part of staying current and keeping the system healthy.
Practical checklist for keeping BC up to date.
Schedule updates in the Admin Center and reserve time to test in a sandbox before making production changes.
Audit PTEs and assign ownership for their maintenance.
Track app dependencies in the Apps tab and resolve action required notices promptly.
ISV Updates - ensure you are on the latest and greatest.
Add notification recipients so the right people get update and compatibility alerts.
Monitor capacity and scale or optimize before performance degrades.
FAQ
What happens if an app blocks an upgrade?
Microsoft can block the upgrade until the app becomes compatible. If the blocker is not resolved in time, Microsoft may remove the app so the update can proceed. That is why proactive maintenance and testing are essential.
Who is responsible for PTE updates?
Per‑tenant extensions are typically the responsibility of your internal team or your implementation partner. Unlike many ISV apps covered by SLAs, PTEs require your attention to remain compatible.
Can I delay updates if I need more testing?
Yes. The Admin Center allows you to change the scheduled update date for environments and control when AppSource apps are updated. Use that window to test and coordinate fixes.
How do I avoid being surprised by updates?
Add notification recipients in the Admin Center. They will receive emails about scheduled updates, compatibility warnings, and completion notices. Pair notifications with a regular review cadence for apps and capacity.
How often should I review capacity?
Monthly reviews are a good practice, with additional checks before and after major wave updates. Look for trends in CPU, memory, and response times to spot capacity constraints early.
Final note
Staying current with Business Central is not just about applying updates. It is a process of planning, testing, maintaining extensions, and communicating with the people who will act when issues arise. A little attention ahead of time prevents last-minute surprises and keeps your system running smoothly.
Ready to optimize your Business Central environment with guidance from a BC expert?
Contact Ben Cole at Ben@BenColeBC.com or (214) 433-0923.
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Ben Cole is passionate about making Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central work smarter for real people—users and partners alike. With roots in public accounting, Ben’s seen firsthand how automation and clever solutions can transform the Business Central experience. He’s known for breaking down complex topics with a dash of wit and plenty of practical advice. If you want to get more out of Business Central (and maybe even enjoy the process), Ben’s your go-to guide.
(214) 433-0923
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